Controversies about the right of territory between the
United States and particular States shall be determined by a
Court to be constituted in manner following. The State or
States claiming in opposition to the United States as
parties shall nominate a number of persons, equal to double
the number of the Judges of the Supreme Court for the time
being, of whom none shall be citizens by birth of the States
which are parties, nor inhabitants thereof when nominated,
and of whom not more than two shall have their actual
residence in one State. Out of the persons so nominated the
Senate shall elect one half, who together with the Judges of
the Supreme Court, shall form the Court. Two thirds of the
whole number may hear and determine the controversy, by
plurality of voices. The States concerned may at their
option claim a decision by the Supreme Court only. All of
the members of the Court hereby instituted shall, prior to
the hearing of the Cause take an oath impartially and
according to the best of their judgments and consciences, to
hear and determine the controversy.